October 23 Voting: EC Sets Date for 28 Legislative Council Seats Across Four States
These 28 members are retiring in November and December from the legislative councils of Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh.
After Jamui, Odisha tourist couple harassed on way to Kapilash temple; 2 detained
Police in Odishas Dhenkanal detained two people after a video allegedly showing a tourist couple being harassed and the man assaulted on the road to Kapilash shrine surfaced on social media. Police registered a case and began investigating the incident, including the roles of others who may have been involved. The action comes a day after a similar viral-video case in Bihars Jamui triggered multiple arrests.
Court grants Sharjeel Imam seven-day interim bail to attend cousins weddings
A Delhi court granted Sharjeel Imam seven days of interim bail, from October 4 to 10, to attend his cousins weddings in New Delhi and Bihar. The court imposed conditions including a 50,000 bail bond, restrictions on social media and contact with case witnesses, and directed him to surrender to jail authorities on October 10.
Legislative Council polls to 28 seats in four states on October 23: Election Commission
The Election Commission announced Legislative Council elections for 28 graduates' and teachers' constituencies across Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh on October 23. Under Article 171 of the Constitution, these special electoral colleges elect members (MLCs) to state Vidhan Parishads. The upcoming vacanciesoccurring in November and Decembercomprise 11 seats in Uttar Pradesh, 8 in Bihar, 5 in Maharashtra, and 4 in Karnataka.
Chhattisgarh Minister Criticizes Congress Over Constitutional Institutions
Chhattisgarh Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal accuses Congress of undermining constitutional institutions amid political tensions. Chhattisgarh Minister Criticizes Congress Over Constitutional Institutions
Principal Arrested In Bihar Molestation Case
A government school principal in Bihar's Nawada district, Mahesh Prasad Yadav, has been arrested following allegations of molesting girl students. Police initiated an investigation after receiving a complaint, recording student statements, and examining CCTV footage. A Special Investigation Team has been formed to probe the serious case further.
Pitripaksh Mela: Flying squads to keep watch
NCW takes suo motu cognizance of Jamui incident
The National Commission for Women has taken suo motu cognisance of an incident in Jamui district of Bihar involving alleged public molestation, assault, forcible stopping and harassment of a teenage girl and her male companion, NCW said
Tejashwi Yadav Criticizes Bihar Government Over Jamui Incident and Calls for Accountability
Tejashwi Yadav demands accountability from Bihar government regarding the Jamui incident and the death of an inmate in Sasaram jail. Tejashwi Yadav Criticizes Bihar Government Over Jamui Incident and Calls for Accountability
BIHARI JALWA IN JAPAN: HOW IITIAN ABHISHEK ANAND MADE IT TO JAPANS CRICKET TEAM| BEYOND BORDERS
From Rohtas in Bihar to IIT Kanpur - and then to Japans national cricket team.Abhishek Anand moved to Japan for a job, but carried his love for cricket with him.He found a cricket club, caught the attention of Japans selectors and became a Japan international.Now, as India plays Japan, his two worlds come together with a special Bihar connection too.On Beyond Borders, Ananya Dasgupta brings you the story of cricket, ambition, migration and finding a new home without forgetting the old one.
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has demanded Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary's resignation over the Jamui incident involving two minor students, saying the video shows that women and girls are not safe in the state. Yadav...
After Bihar Groping Horror, Shocker From Odisha: Couple Assaulted On Camera
The Odisha incident reportedly took place on a road leading towards Kapilash, a popular tourist destination in Dhenkanal district. The couple had travelled to the area on a motorcycle when they were stopped by a group of people.
Bihar CM directs Gaya manufacturing cluster launch by mid-October
The News Mill
Odisha News | After Bihar Groping Horror, Shocker From Odisha: Couple Assaulted On Camera
A video showing a young couple being assaulted and harassed by a group of people in Odisha's Dhenkanal district has surfaced on social media, days after a separate incident in Bihar involving the harassment of a boy and a girl triggered widespread outrage. The Odisha incident reportedly took place on a road leading towards Kapilash, a popular tourist destination in Dhenkanal district. The couple had travelled to the area on a motorcycle when they were stopped by a group of people. Footage circulating online appears to show several people surrounding the two. The young man can be seen being assaulted while some of the other men in the video appear to behave inappropriately with the woman. The woman can be heard repeatedly pleading with those around her to let the couple go. Despite her requests, the assault and harassment appear to continue.
Bihar Public Service Commission Opens Applications for 32,388 Teacher Positions
The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) has launched the application process for 32,388 teacher positions under the Teacher Recruitment Exam (TRE) 4.0. Candidates can apply online until September 30, 2026. The exam will consist of 150 questions, with a total of 150 marks, and a negative marking policy will be in effect. The application fee is set at 100, payable through various online methods. This recruitment drive presents a significant opportunity for aspiring educators in Bihar. For detailed application steps and exam patterns, read the full article.
Attacks on women becoming more violent: Priyanka Gandhi
Wayanad: Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday, September 22, raised concern over recent sexual assaults on women in Delhi and Bihar, saying such attacks were not only increasing but also becoming more violent. She urged the Centre and state governments to ensure women can safely venture out on the streets. Vadra said that it Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Jamui Minor Harassment Case: Main Accused Shot in Leg by Police
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary said that a case had been registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act
Pappu Yadav Criticizes Bihar Administration Over Jamui Incident Involving Student Harassment
Pappu Yadav condemns the Bihar administrations inaction on a student harassment case, calling for accountability and change. Pappu Yadav Criticizes Bihar Administration Over Jamui Incident Involving Student Harassment
Jamui molestation horror: Key accused held after encounter
The main accused in a viral video harassment case from Jamui, Bihar, Nandan Yadav, has been arrested after being shot in the leg by police. The incident involved the harassment of a boy and a girl, sparking widespread criticism and leading to a police investigation and multiple arrests.
Bihar teen harassment case: Key perpetrator held after encounter
Jamui: The key accused in the harassment of teens in Jamui, Bihar, was apprehended on Tuesday, September 22, after he was shot in the leg. There has been no official confirmation of the encounter as of yet. The accused was identified as Nandan Yadav, and Jamui Superintendent Bishwajeet Dayal has confirmed that three of the Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Jamui sexual harassment case: Main accused Nandan Yadav arrested after encounter
The main accused in the alleged harassment of a minor girl and her male friend in Bihars Jamui was shot in the leg during a police encounter, Additional Director General of Police (law and order) K.S. Anupam said on September 22, 2026.
Jamui sexual harassment case: Main accused Nandan Yadav arrested after encounter
The main accused in the alleged harassment of a minor girl and her male friend in Bihars Jamui was shot in the leg during a police encounter, Additional Director General of Police (law and order) K.S. Anupam said on September 22, 2026.
RJD MP Sudhakar Singh criticises Bihar govt over Jamui assault case
The News Mill
Outrage Grows Over Jamui Incident as Bihar Minister Calls It a Minor Incident
The Jamui incident involving a minor has sparked national outrage, especially after a Bihar ministers dismissive remarks. Outrage Grows Over Jamui Incident as Bihar Minister Calls It a Minor Incident
Bihar Officials Properties Raided Over Allegations of Disproportionate Assets
The Economic Offenses Unit has raided properties linked to Kamlesh Kumar, a GM at Bihar State Building Corporation, for alleged disproportionate assets. Bihar Officials Properties Raided Over Allegations of Disproportionate Assets
Jamui Molestation Case: Main Accused Nandan Yadav Arrested After Police Encounter
JAMUI (BIHAR), Sept 22: The main accused in the Jamui molestation case, Nandan Yadav, was arrested after a police encounter on Tuesday, with preliminary information indicating that he sustained a bullet injury in his leg. Another accused, identified as Hareram Yadav, also suffered a leg injury during the police action, according to preliminary reports. Police [] The post Jamui Molestation Case: Main Accused Nandan Yadav Arrested After Police Encounter appeared first on Northlines .
Bihar Jamui Harassment Case: Accused Shot in Leg, Two Arrested
The main accused in the alleged harassment of two minor teenagers in Bihars Jamui was shot in the leg by police, authorities said. Nandan Yadav and another suspect have been arrested in connection with the case. The incident allegedly took place on September 19 when a Class 10 girl and her male friend, both teenagers, [] The post Bihar Jamui Harassment Case: Accused Shot in Leg, Two Arrested appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Jamui harassment case: Main accused shot in leg during police encounter
The main accused in the alleged harassment of a minor girl in Bihars Jamui was shot in the leg during a police encounter, police sources said. Authorities have registered a POCSO case, arrested several accused and launched further investigations into the viral video incident.
Bihar STET Online Application 2026 Now Open
The Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) has officially opened the application process for the Bihar State Teacher Eligibility Test (STET) 2026. Candidates can submit their applications from August 17, 2026, until September 22, 2026. This article provides essential details including important dates, application fees, eligibility criteria, and the selection process. Interested candidates are encouraged to review the official notification thoroughly before applying. Stay informed about the latest updates regarding the exam and application procedures.
Made us sit on lap: Bihar girls accuse headmaster of entering washroom, harassing
Allegations of a headmaster's inappropriate actions have surfaced at a Nawada government school. These incidents follow a Class X student's alleged molestation in Jamui. Girls reported the headmaster entered their washroom and touched them inappropriately. The headmaster was arrested under the POCSO Act after protests by students and parents. These events highlight serious concerns regarding the safety of minor girls in Bihar.
Prashant Kishor Questions Bihar Law and Order Over Jamui Case
Viral footage of two minor students being allegedly harassed in Jamui sparks political reactions and renewed questions over public safety.
Key Accused In Bihar Shocker Shot In Police Encounter, Taken To Hospital
Pictures showed the key accused, Nandan Yadav, with his arms slung across the shoulders of security personnel, being rushed to a hospital.
3 Arrested, SIT Formed After Minors Allegedly Assaulted In Bihar
Viral footage showed two students allegedly assaulted in Jamui; Bihar Police formed an SIT, arrested three suspects, and acted against accounts.
Bihar BJP Chief Sanjay Saraogi condemns Jamui molestation incident
Bihar BJP chief Sanjay Saraogi condemned the alleged molestation of a Class 10 girl in Jamui and said those revealing the minor victims identity would face action. He said three people have been arrested and police are conducting raids to catch the main accused.
Polling for eight MLC seats in Bihar to be held on October 23: EC
The terms of the eight members of the Graduates' and Teachers' constituencies are due to expire on November 16
Polling for eight MLC seats in Bihar to be held on October 23: EC
The terms of the eight members of the Graduates' and Teachers' constituencies are due to expire on November 16
Jamui Bihar News: Nandan Yadav, the main accused in the Jamui minor molestation and assault case, was injured in a police encounter on Tuesday and admitted to a hospital with a bullet injury to his leg. Police said the encounter occurred during an operation to arrest him. The case came to light after videos showing the alleged assault surfaced on social media.
Polling for 8 MLC seats in Bihar to be held on October 23
The Election Commission announced October 23 for Bihar Legislative Council biennial elections. Eight seats from Graduates' and Teachers' constituencies will see polls. The notification will be issued on September 29, with nominations closing October 6. Polling will occur from 8 am to 4 pm on election day. Counting of votes is scheduled for October 27.
Two held with country-made gun in Visakhapatnam; police say weapon was brought from Bihar
City Task Force raid at Gollalapalem catches two men, both about 30, who run a biryani centre; the II Town police are investigating why the firearm was procured
Bihar molestation case: Main accused Nandan Yadav injured in police encounter
In a police operation targeting Nandan Yadav, the accused in a Jamui molestation case, he sustained a bullet injury to his leg and is now receiving medical treatment. This follow-up comes after viral videos of the incident sparked outrage across social media. Authorities have identified and charged several individuals related to the case, with investigations ongoing and steps being taken to erase the circulated videos.
Main accused Nandan Yadav injured in 'half encounter' in Jamui minor harassment case
The main accused, Nandan Yadav, in the Jamui minor harassment case was injured in a 'half encounter' with Bihar Police on Tuesday. The accused was shot in the leg.The incident came to light after the video showing the boy and girl allegedly being harassed by a group of people on a roadside in Jamui district went viral.
ECI announces polls for 28 Legislative Council seats in UP, Bihar, Maharashtra, Karnataka
The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday announced the schedule for biennial elections for 28 Legislative Council seats across four states. These include 11 seats in Uttar Pradesh (five Graduates' and six Teachers' constituencies),...
16-Year-Old Girl Escapes From Child Care Facility In Ballia; Two Booked
Police book a constable and facility supervisor after the Bihar teenager allegedly escaped through a toilet window while in care.
Meet Abhishek Anand, from IIT Kanpur and IT job to Japans cricket team
Abhishek Anand, a former resident of Rohtas, has successfully transitioned to playing for Japan's national cricket team after relocating for work. Utilizing his time at a local club, Anand dedicated three years to honing his skills, ultimately meeting the residency and passport criteria for selection. His journey represents the growing presence of Bihari and Jharkhandi professionals thriving in Japan's technology landscape.
Political Tensions Rise in Bihar Following Jamui Molestation Incident
The Jamui molestation case has sparked political outrage in Bihar, with leaders demanding justice and accountability for the accused. Political Tensions Rise in Bihar Following Jamui Molestation Incident
Chirag Paswan Urges Political Unity for Bihar Amid Disaster
Chirag Paswan calls for political leaders in Bihar to unite and support relief efforts amid ongoing disasters affecting the region. Chirag Paswan Urges Political Unity for Bihar Amid Disaster
Bihar BJP chief condemns Jamui minor harassment, main accused to be arrested soon
The News Mill
2 videos, 20 minutes, 3 arrests: How a Class X girl was harassed on camera in Bihar's Jamui
Digital Desk | Patna, Sep 22 (IANS) Bihar Minister Ram Kripal Yadav on Tuesday condemned the alleged molestation of a young woman in Jamui, describing the incident as extremely unfortunate and deplorable and said that families will have to give morals, not just education. He also criticised Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi for raising the issue in a social media post and urged him not to politicise the matter. Speaking to IANS, Yadav said the government had taken the incident seriously and assured that strict action would be taken against all those responsible. The Jamui incident is extremely unfortunate and condemnable. No matter how strongly this incident is condemned, it would not be enough. The government has taken the incident seriously. Strict action will be taken, and is being taken, against all those responsible. Under the POCSO Act, the accused who are arrested will be booked under the Act and given the strictest possible punishment, he said. Yadav said that people with such 'low mentality' needed to change with changing times. I think such things which are happening, in the age of change, such people who have such a low mentality, they will have to change themselves, he told IANS. Families will have to give morals, not just education, he added. Reacting to Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi's social media post on the Jamui incident, Yadav said, Rahul Gandhi, do not politicise the issue. In the states where your governments are in power, although your governments are gradually losing power and only a few states may be left, look at your states and examine the performance of your governments. See how law and order was violated, how many rapes, robberies, dacoities, thefts, murders, mass killings and mass rapes took place during that period. Meanwhile, a viral video showing the alleged harassment of two Class 10 students, including a girl, in Bihar's Jamui district has triggered a political confrontation, with Opposition leaders questioning Bihar's law-and-order situation and the ruling alliance defending the administration's response. The incident reportedly took place on September 19 in a hilly area near the Jamui-Lakhisarai border. According to police, the two students had left after attending coaching classes and were returning on a scooter when a group of youths allegedly stopped them. A video of the incident later surfaced on social media, showing the two students surrounded and subjected to inappropriate behaviour. The girl was allegedly molested, while the boy was assaulted. The circulation of the video prompted police action and widespread political criticism. LoP Gandhi criticised the Bihar government over the incident and questioned why all those allegedly involved had not yet been arrested. In a post on X, Gandhi described the video as disturbing and said the students had allegedly been stopped, harassed and humiliated. He demanded that all individuals visible in the footage be identified and prosecuted under the POCSO Act and called for speedy justice. LoP Gandhi also questioned the safety of girls travelling on roads in Bihar and sought an explanation from the state government over the alleged delay in arresting all those involved. RJD National Working President Tejashwi Yadav also targeted the Bihar government, sharing the video on X and alleging a deterioration in law and order. He claimed that women and female students were no longer safe in the state and accused the NDA government of failing to protect women, students, poor people and Dalits.
Chhitputh ghatna hoti rehti hai: Bihar minister's remarks on Jamui harassment case triggers row
Bihar Jamui harassment case: Three arrested, search on for other accused
The video, which purportedly shows the two being harassed by a group of people, has drawn criticism on social media as well as from political leaders.
Well prepare litti chokha for Sooryavanshi, Kishan Japan's Abhishek Anand
IIT Kanpur engineer Abhishek Anand, who plays for the Japan national team and works in the IT sector there, tells mid-day that the Indian diaspora, which mostly comprises immigrants from Bihar and Jharkhand, are looking forward to hosting their home state-mates Vaibhav and Ishan
Jamui minor harassment case sparks outrage, 3 held as police hunt four others after video goes viral
A disturbing incident involving two minors in Bihar's Jamui has triggered widespread outrage after a video showing their alleged harassment surfaced on social media. Police have registered an FIR against seven people under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), while three accused have been arrested. A Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by Jamui Sub-Divisional Police Officer Deepti Monali, has been formed to identify and apprehend the remaining suspects. Police have also identified the person allegedly seen behaving indecently with the minor girl in the video and are searching for him.
Bihar man aspiring to be actor held for alleged chain snatching in Santacruz
Cops say 21-year-old accused, who was struggling with mounting debt, grabbed gold ornament from paralysed elderly woman in Santacruz East
Jamui Harassment Case: 'Sporadic Incidents' Remark Sparks Political Row In Bihar
The Jamui harassment case has triggered a political storm in Bihar, with the Opposition questioning the state government over womens safety. The controversy intensified after JD(U) state chief Umesh Kushwaha described such incidents as chhutput ghatnayein or sporadic incidents. Opposition leaders, including Tejashwi Yadav and Rahul Gandhi, have attacked the Bihar government, while the ruling alliance has defended the administration, pointing to police action and arrests. As the political battle escalates, the Jamui case has become a flashpoint over law and order and womens safety in Bihar.
Vinod Bihari Vermas life, works inspiration for all: Neeraj Singh
Abhishek Anand: The Bihar Lad Set to Face India in Japan Colours!
Bihar-born Abhishek Anand's journey from tennis-ball cricket and IIT Kanpur to Japan's national team has culminated in a historic opportunity to face India on Tuesday.
IMFL worth Rs 1.2cr being smuggled to dry Bihar seized, 5 held
3 Held for Harassing Boy, Girl in Bihar
SIT identifies around seven suspects after video goes viral; police launch raids to nab others
Girl molested on camera in Jamui, three minors detained; NCW seeks report
Rahul Gandhi slams harassment of Class 10 students in Bihar's Jamui
Rahul Gandhi has expressed his outrage regarding the harassment of two students in Jamui, Bihar, emphasizing the need for a robust state response. He urged for immediate and decisive action against the offenders. Meanwhile, Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the incident, asserting it highlights the BJP's inconsistent stance on women's safety and called for severe punishment for the perpetrators, reinforcing the necessity of accountability in state governance.
Class X girl found dead in Lucknow, one held
Two teachers dismissed over misconduct with students in Buxar
Disha Salian probe rekindles hope in Bihar for fresh look at Sushant death
Garbage transfer station delay prolongs waste, flight risk
633 athletes to compete in East Zone Junior Athletics meet
East has huge potential in oil filtration
Govt: Green hydrogen investment can create 12,000 jobs in Bihar
India must be creator, not just consumer of knowledge: Governor
Cash, jewellery stolen from locked doctors flat in city
Danapur army to host Agniveer recruitment rally from today
Balua Deorhi to Hyderabad, a family table comes alive at Tridents Kanak
For Chef Shubhra Singh, Bihari food is not a cuisine she learnt to cook. It is something she grew up absorbing, through family kitchens, village traditions, hospitality and recipes passed down through generations. As she brings the flavours of her ancestral village Balua Deorhi to Kanak at Trident Hyderabad, she talks about the food that became her soul food and the memories behind it.
CM suggests panchayats tax mobile towers, brick kilns, private schools for revenue
The alleged sexual harassment of a minor girl of class 10 and her friend in Bihar's Jamui has triggered a political controversy after JD(U) state president Umesh Singh Kushwaha described such incidents as chitput (small case) while defending the state government's
Man held for defacing Gandhi Satyagrah Smarak wall in Motihari
BPSC Project Manager Exam 2026: October 4 Exam Postponed, New Date Awaited
Bihar Public Service Commission has postponed the Project Manager exam originally set for October four due to administrative reasons.
Bihar-born Abhishek Anand to face India in Japan cricket clash
The News Mill
Govt wants to open 50 pvt universities: CM
A video of the assault on the teenage pair goes viral on social media; police file suo motu FIR, arrest three; NCW directs support of victims, says viral video must not be shared; this is patriarchy, not culture, says Congress leader Rahul Gandhi
Man shot dead near canal bridge in Bhojpur
BJP Leader Kangana Ranaut Backs Maithili Thakur Amid Rolls-Royce Controversy And Trolling
Bihar MLA and singer Maithili Thakur has faced social media criticism after being seen arriving at Mumbais Lalbaugcha Raja in a blue Rolls-Royce Cullinan. BJP MP Kangana Ranaut has now defended the young politician, questioning why public representatives should be expected to give up their personal lives and comforts. Kangana asked, Why cant we also live well? Meanwhile, the ownership of the luxury SUV remains unconfirmed. Maithilis 2025 election affidavit declared assets of around 3.82 crore and did not list a Rolls-Royce. Thakur became Bihars youngest MLA after winning Alinagar.
968 police stations in Bihar now linked to CCTNS
Dont come to Patna to apply for housing plots, minister tells landless families
Lawyer dies as truck hits bike on NH-19 in Rohtas
The opposition lashed out at the Bihar government over a disturbing video from the Jamui district , showing a minor being allegedly harassed by a group of men that has triggered a massive outrage online. Questioning the BJP-led NDA government over women's safety and security, the opposition demanded Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary's resignation.
Rain deficit notwithstanding, Bihar achieves 99% paddy coverage
Liquor worth Rs 10L seized from postal parcel van in Buxar
Eligible But Excluded: Has Digital Verification Pushed Women Out From Nutrition Schemes?
MORE THAN four in ten women in India, between the ages of 18 and 40 years, suffer from malnutrition related conditions. This has inter-generational consequences, for instance, undernourishment in pregnancy increases the likelihood of delivering an underweight child, who may have long-term health consequences. India has recognised the importance of womens nutrition through legal protections, and welfare schemes; however, there remains a gap between entitlement and access. This article explores how recent changes in scheme design have contributed to this gap. Womens nutrition is a legal entitlement Nutrition is recognised in the Constitution and its Part IV i.e. the Directive Principles of State Policy require the State to improve nutrition levels. Courts meanwhile have expanded the right to life to include access to necessities like adequate nutrition. Accordingly, Parliament enacted the National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA), that grants pregnant women and lactating mothers a statutory right to nutrition support, and maternity benefits. Courts have, time and again, reinforced the significance of this, noting its intergenerational implications and importance to societal welfare. Accordingly, they held that states were constitutionally obligated to reopen Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) through which nutrition is provided, once Covid-19 restrictions by the Government of India (GoI) had been lifted. Further, recognising the vulnerability of women beneficiaries and barriers faced in contesting non-delivery of benefits, the Court placed the onus on states to ensure access. Nutritional entitlements for women outside motherhood remain limited, unless they are eligible to receive food grains as members of priority households. Priority households are vulnerable families identified under Section 10 of the NFSA and receive benefits such as subsidised/ free food grains through the public distribution system. Presently, two schemes form the backbone of Indias nutritional support framework for women during motherhood: Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 (Poshan 2.0) and Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandna Yojana (PMMVY). Both are implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD), but operate in different ways to improve nutritional outcomes. Change in scheme design of Poshan 2.0 Since 1975, even before the NFSA, the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) programme, provided supplementary nutrition to children, and pregnant women/lactating mothers through local AWCs. Following its universalisation in 2008-09, any pregnant woman/ lactating mother could visit an AWC to receive take home ration (THR). ICDS was later renamed as Anganwadi Services. In FY 2021-22, the GoI launched Poshan 2.0 as an umbrella programme that subsumed the existing anganwadi services scheme. Today, Poshan 2.0 is one of the worlds largest supplementary nutrition programmes, serving around 8.95 crore beneficiaries, through a network of 14.03 lakh AWCs. Initially, any pregnant woman could enrol at her local AWC and receive THR during pregnancy, and for six months after childbirth. This changed in March 2023, when Aadhaar was made a mandatory requirement for access to THR. Further, since July 2025, facial recognition has also been made mandatory . Beneficiaries now must undergo verification through live photo-capturing and OTP authentication, followed by face-matching at the time of each THR collection. As a result, access to nutrition under the scheme is contingent not only on pregnancy but the ability to complete Aadhaar/ facial verification processes. Restrictions in scheme design of PMMVY The GoI launched PMMVY in 2017 to provide women with partial compensation, through conditional cash transfers, for wage losses during pregnancy. The assumption is that this will help her improve food choices, reduce physical labour and take adequate rest. PMMVY is narrower in scope than Poshan 2.0. It covers women who fall within the age band of 18 years 7 months to 55 years, and is only available to the economically and socially marginalised. Maternity benefits are available for the first child and, for a second child, only if a girl. Beneficiaries must also satisfy procedural requirements, including registration of pregnancy, attendance at antenatal check-ups and compliance with child immunisation requirements. For second-child benefits, registration during pregnancy is mandatory. Like Poshan 2.0 the application process has been digitised and linked to Aadhaar and facial verification. Since benefits are distributed through DBT mode, an Aadhaar-linked bank account is also mandatory. However, women are allowed to self-enrol. Access to PMMVY is thus contingent on fulfilment of the eligibility criteria and the digital verification. In recent years, enrolment has declined: it fell from 62 lakh women in FY 2022-23 to 51 lakh in FY 2024-25 and 23 lakh in FY 25-26 (until October). Common challenges in accessing schemes Previously, the Supreme Court held that Aadhaar cannot be mandatory for legal entitlements like elementary education. Considering that pregnant women and lactating mothers are entitled to nutritional support and maternity benefits as a matter of statutory right under NFSA, mandating Aadhaar and facial verification raises legal concerns. This has also had grave implications for access to schemes, especially Poshan 2.0 which was intended to be universal. The following is the response, recorded during field visits, of a 16 year old girl who works as an anganwadi worker (AWW) in Madhya Pradesh: This scheme is open to all eligible beneficiaries; indeed, it is designed for everyoneThe only distinction is that those who are well-informed are better able to avail themselves of its benefits, as they possess the necessary documentation and a comprehensive understanding of the entire process. Conversely, those who lack this awareness are often unable to and, consequently, remain deprived... Field insights from gram panchayats across Madhya Pradesh and Bihar illustrate the specific challenges these changes have created for beneficiaries seeking nutritional support. Some of these challenges are: 1. Aadhaar-linked enrolment requirements reinforce womens dependence on husbands: The requirement of Aadhaar creates a barrier, especially for newly married women and those who have moved villages after marriage. This occurs because the enrolment process assumes women can independently obtain, update and manage their Aadhaar documentation. In practice, documentation is shaped by gendered patterns of dependence. Before marriage, a womans Aadhaar is linked to her father. Following marriage/ relocation, records need to be updated to reflect her husbands contact information. Many women reported being unfamiliar with the updating process, unable to independently travel to block offices, or lacking confidence in navigating bureaucratic systems alone. As a result, enrolment in nutritional schemes frequently becomes contingent on male assistance. 2. Documentation requirements disproportionately burden marginalised women: Women from socially and economically marginalised households face greater difficulty completing enrolment procedures. Lower levels of education make registration requirements difficult to understand, while repeated visits to government offices impose substantial costs on households dependent on daily wage labour. The financial burden of obtaining or correcting documentation can also be difficult to absorb, particularly where unofficial payments are demanded. A 22 year old pregnant woman from Bihar explained as follows during the field visit: The government needs to consider how a poor person is supposed to obtain all these documents. Getting just a single document costs anywhere between one and two thousand rupees. We are poor people; we toil as daily wage laborers all day long just to earn enough for a single meal, and even then, we only manage to make 250 rupees. 3. Digital enrolment systems create new barriers to access: Digitisation is introduced into welfare delivery with the promise of increasing efficiency, transparency, and simplifying access. However, in practice it has created access barriers. Technical failures like application crashes, unstable servers, and delayed receipt of OTPs, slow down registration. These delays shift the administrative burden onto the ASHAs/ AWWs who then spend more time completing registration, and making additional visits to womens homes to finalise enrolment. This increases their already stretched workload. The introduction of facial authentication has led to frustration for both the frontline worker and the women. As one 42 year old woman, an anganwadi worker from Bihar, explained: This facial recognition process is so complex that, in some cases, the app only successfully recognizes a beneficiary's face after 20 to 30 attempts This not only wastes our time but also causes frustration for the beneficiaries. Occasionally, beneficiaries even go so far as to state that they no longer wish to avail themselves of our services, complaining, You call us to the center so many times and repeatedly take photos of our faces, only to tell us that the app isn't working right now. 4. Frontline workers lack capacity to support digital enrolment: The effectiveness of nutrition schemes depends heavily on ASHAs and AWWs, who serve as the primary interface between beneficiaries and the state. However, as of March 2025, there were 2.13 lakh AWW vacancies, increasing pressure on workers already responsible for delivering services. At the same time, workers are expected to manage digital enrolment but receive only limited training. Training was often described as consisting of instructional videos rather than hands-on support. Unequal access to technology also affects implementation. Many frontline workers report not owning smartphones capable of supporting registration applications and instead relying on devices belonging to husbands or sons to complete official work. 5. Scheme design limits autonomy in accessing benefits: All women beneficiaries reported enrolling in schemes with the assistance of local ASHAs/ AWWs, even though PMMVY permits self-registration. Self-registration could increase womens autonomy in accessing benefits and reduce administrative burden on frontline workers. However, under existing scheme guidelines the honorarium paid to AWWs/ ASHAs is higher when they facilitate beneficiary registration directly, than when women complete registration independently. As a result, workers may have little incentive to encourage self-registration, even where women are capable of completing the process themselves. Conclusion Access to nutrition schemes depends not only on eligibility and legal backing, but also on whether women can realistically navigate enrolment processes and satisfy administrative requirements with the resources available to them. Documentation requirements, digital enrolment systems and dependence on intermediaries can delay/ prevent access to benefits, even when women are eligible for support. Scheme guidelines must not assume access to technology, documentation, or digital literacy and must account for the lived realities of women beneficiaries. Unless entitlements are designed to be genuinely accessible in practice, constitutional commitments and statutory protections will remain formal promises rather than mechanisms capable of improving nutritional outcomes. Acknowledgement:This article draws on field insights and primary observations collected by Swapna Ramtake and Uday Shankar Kumar during fieldwork. The authors are grateful for their contribution. Identities of all anganwadi workers, women and beneficiaries have been anonymised to maintain due privacy.
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